What to consider when replacing or buying timber double glazed windows

Replacing your timber double glazed windows is a significant renovation project and a substantial investment in your home. Not only in terms of the cost, but the perfect timber windows will also completely transform a property inside and out. As well as increasing its energy efficiency. So, choosing the right product is everything.

What To Consider When Replacing or buying timber double glazed windows

Whether your home is a historic, listed building – deserving of the finest quality materials and beautifully delicate frames – a renovation, or new build project, looking for a splash of character and the unique finish that only timber windows can deliver, the versatility of wooden windows provides plenty of choices.

Whilst also being the most environmentally conscious choice, our timber windows also boast excellent thermal efficiency at a time where many homeowners are increasingly concerned over potential new building regulations. 

Before you start, it’s important to check with your local council on whether or not you may need planning permission. As a rule of thumb, any homes that reside in a conservation area, or maybe listed, will need to obtain permission and may be restricted on the style of windows that are to be replaced.

Achieving the right style of timber double glazed windows

All replacement windows should be period-appropriate and should fit seamlessly with the architectural form of your property. Traditionally Georgian homes would have more glazing bars than Victorian homes. Or, details such as gothic glazing bars, can be used to demonstrate the unique features of a property. Your timber window supplier should be able to advise you on the appropriate style to suit your home.

Similarly, it’s important to consider the type of glazing. For example, our standard double glazing with a 20mm argon filled centre demonstrates the same U-Value as our Classique range with 8mm krypton filled panes. However, the Classique range is more visually similar to single glazed panes and may appear more authentic to the property.

Choosing the perfect colour

Choosing the perfect colour for your joinery is definitely an exciting step in the process, however, with so much choice it can quickly become quite daunting and tricky to narrow down. Start by choosing colours that complement the rest of your property. Harmonising your joinery colour with any brickwork or rendered walls is a great place to start. Narrowing down your colour options gradually by complimenting the entrance door or garage doors, the roof colouring, and any stone or paved driveways.

Window ironmongery

Ironmongery is an important element to any window, not only for its visual statement but as the part of the window that you physically touch, interact with, and securely lock intruders out. For peace of mind, we always recommend choosing a British-made window handle or hinge.

Choosing the correct glazing

Although the aesthetics are of vital importance, so too is the performance of your glass. Any balconies, landings and staircases would benefit from a stronger, safer glass. For example, our sound and secure option is four times stronger than regular glass and will shatter into smaller pieces, making it the preferred option for windows that are higher up.

You may also want to focus on reducing heat transference. A room dependent on the placement of the sun can result in a space that is too warm or too cold. Ensuring that the glass has a low-E coating and warm edge spacer bars to keep panes apart, will help to reduce this. A glazed Roof Lantern that lets UV rays in from above, can be laminated to defend furniture from fading, and help to keep the temperature cool in south-facing rooms.

Your choice of glazing also has the power to reduce the levels of sound entering your home, which may be important if you prefer a quieter living space. Acoustic glazing, such as our Sound & Secure or Sound & Secure Extra, has an acoustic membrane included between two or more layers of glazing which works to reflect the sound waves to the source.

Building Regulations

Replacement windows still need to take into account building regulations and failing to comply could create difficulties if you choose to sell your home. It may even affect your insurance if you ever need to make a claim.

In particular, your 1st and 2nd-floor windows must accommodate an escape route that is accessible to a ladder at ground level. This is to comply with fire regulations. You will also be required to have your installation carried out by a FENSA member. This means that the installer has the authority to self-certify that the work has been carried out to a high standard.

Visit the workshop

Beautiful marketing and an excellent showroom are great indicators of pride in workmanship. But visiting the workshop and witnessing the products being made will tell you everything you need to know about the quality of the windows you are buying and allow you to see the level of detail your window manufacturer will go to when making your windows. It could also help you to ask questions and understand the range of options available to you so that you’re able to make the best choice for yourself and your home.

Opt for British Made Windows

Not only is this an opportunity to support local businesses and jobs, but it also means your windows are quality checked to UK standards, which tend to be more rigorous. They also won’t be shipped from greater distances overseas which minimise the risk of damage and harm to the environment.

Sustainable Timber

Sustainability is something we are all proactively trying to achieve day-to-day, and it’s no different when it comes to replacing your timber double glazed windows. Finding a joinery company that only ever use timber sourced from controlled, FSC certified plantations and not tropical rain forests, is a great start.

Any additional building materials should be sourced from local suppliers where possible to reduce emissions from importation or unnecessarily long journeys up and down the country.